Overview & Reviews

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Lexus began out of a desire by parent company Toyota to create a world-class luxury car brand. Groundwork for Lexus was laid in the mid-1980s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers. Hundreds of prototypes were built and tested on Germany's autobahn and on U.S. roads.

In early 1989, the company unveiled its first two models (which would debut for the 1990 model year) -- the entry-level ES 250 sedan and the flagship LS 400 sedan. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin, superb build quality and a refined V8 engine. At the same time, the LS was priced considerably lower than smaller, lesser-equipped, six-cylinder European rival luxury sedans.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. More models were added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. By decade's end, the company had added SUVs (in the form of the LX 450/LX 470 and RX 300) and had sold more than a million vehicles in the U.S.

The first decade of the 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trend setter with the launch of many hybrid-powered versions of its vehicles such as the RX 400h and the GS 450h. And by 2011, Lexus even introduced a world-class supercar, the LFA.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand's vehicles may not offer as much passion as some Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus marque is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

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  Best car ever! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By empty nest momma. - April 5 - 11:40 am

  I had to drive this car in a massive rain storm while 18 wheelers were pulled over, this car hug the road and never once did i think it would lose control. This car is a head turner and also extremely reliable. I feel certain I can get a couple of hundred thousand miles on it like my other Lexus.

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  More " Purrfect." - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By Robert - April 4 - 12:10 am

  Wrote a review a few days ago. Just further information. My loaded Sport LS listed for a little over $78,000.00. A comparable S class would be $115,00.00. A fully equipped 7 Series would be a little less. While each car has certain advantages over the other, the Lexus is an amazing bargain. The build quality, features, and comfort are as good as you can buy for any price. If you ask, the dealer will give you completely free service for 4 years as well.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By raffello - April 3 - 4:36 am

  Awesome car! love how smooth it is. Great for longer trips, not as fun as my Porsche but what is?

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  Very Very Nice - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Jay T. - April 2 - 2:00 am

  We were thoroughly impressed with this vehicle since first test driving one in 2000. Thought about an 04 (they are very nice,too), but the 01-03 model is just more fluid, had better takeoff, and considerably less engine noise. The interior is definitely upscale. All that wood makes you feel like youre driving around in a den. More leg room, especially in the back, than most of the other SUVs we drove. We have the blue mist with black leather,with every option except AWD and Navigation, and it is simply beautiful. This is one nice vehicle. Just what I expected from a Lexus.

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  what a ride - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By dgrand - April 2 - 2:00 am

  very much the definition of luxury why pay more you dont need to upgrade from this one

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  remove 3rd row seats - 2014 Lexus LX 570
  By W Schumacher - April 1 - 1:26 pm

  If you need to haul around 8 people, this is NOT for you. Im guessing 90% of the buyers will never use the 3rd road seats, but would rather have the increased storage room. Thats my only my only complaint. I removed the seats, stored them in my basement and expect theyll be there for the next 10 years. Otherwise, this is the best SUV you could ever ask for. What a delight to drive.

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  Luxury Sports Vehicle - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Denise Frias - April 1 - 3:50 am

  I purchased the crystalized white metallic with ecru interior. I have compliments on my vehicle daily. Driving this car is like having the luxury of a sedan with the ride of a high end performance vehicle. The hard top convertible and style is what sets it apart from other cars in its class. It comes with Navigation and other options are standard with this vehicle. The competitors in the same class list prices that are much higher and only come with a basic package. I strongly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a high end sports car who appreciate more car for their dollar.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Sharon - March 31 - 5:56 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus RX and they just keep making them better with each model. The new RX330 has comfort and styling while maintaining safety to the highest level.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Vrankenstein - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable and most fun car to drive that Lexus came out with, except the SC430 which is way out of my price range, but still, the GS300 is fully equipped an comes with the most satisfactory.

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  Linus our RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Art Brown - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is another example of the superb cars produced by Lexus. Nothing breaks and the maintenance service is outstanding I would own nothing other than a Lexus